World Bank approves funding for 2 projects in Punjab and Maharashtra to support education reforms and climate-resilient farming. The approval was confirmed on November 25, 2025. The projects aim to benefit more than 60 lakh people through improved education quality and better farming practices.
The World Bank said the two initiatives will use digital technology to monitor learning outcomes in Punjab and boost farm incomes in Maharashtra. Both projects focus on long-term development and improved service delivery.
Punjab Education Project: World Bank POISE Programme
The Punjab Outcomes-Acceleration in School Education Operation (POISE) programme aims to transform the school education ecosystem through extensive use of digital tools. This project is valued at USD 286 million.
The programme will use technology to track learning outcomes and ensure transparent and consistent progress monitoring. It will strengthen foundational and secondary education across the state.
Below is the key coverage planned under the POISE programme:
The table below shows the number of students who will benefit from different schooling levels under the POISE project. It highlights the scale of educational coverage planned across Punjab.
Category | Number of Students |
Primary School Enrolments | 13 lakh |
Secondary School Enrolments | 22 lakh+ |
Early Childhood Education Support | 59 lakh |
The programme is designed to modernise classrooms, support teachers, and encourage digital monitoring for better outcomes. It directly supports the state's education roadmap.
Maharashtra Agriculture Update: POCRA Phase II Project
The Maharashtra Project on Climate Resilient Agriculture (POCRA) Phase II is valued at USD 490 million. It aims to improve climate resilience, soil health, and farm productivity by using digital technology in precision farming.
This project will use data-driven tools to ensure crops and soil receive the exact inputs they need. The approach reduces waste and increases efficiency for smallholder farmers.
Below is a short introduction to the data table:The table summarises the expected reach of POCRA Phase II, showing the number of beneficiaries and the focus areas designed to improve agricultural productivity.
Beneficiary Category | Figures |
Total Farmers Benefiting | 20 lakh+ |
Women Farmers Included | 2.9 lakh |
Districts Covered | 21 |
Expected Income Growth | 30% |
The project will enhance water-use efficiency, nutrient management, and crop resilience against climate challenges. It aims to support long-term agricultural stability in the state.
World Bank India Acting Country Director Paul Proccee said that digital infrastructure plays a crucial role in boosting economic development and improving outcomes across sectors such as education, agriculture, and health.
The POISE project carries a final maturity of 19 years with a 5-year grace period, while the POCRA Phase II project has a final maturity of 24 years with a 6-year grace period.
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